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Portsmouth firefighters, paramedics quarantined due to possible coronavirus exposure

Several Portsmouth firefighters and paramedics are in self-isolation after they were possibly exposed to COVID-19.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Several members of the Portsmouth Fire Department have self-quarantined after union members said they were possibly exposed to COVID-19. 

The city's spokeswoman Dana Woodson confirmed that nine personnel are in self-isolation after responding to an emergency call on Tuesday. 

She said all companies and apparatus are staffed and in service. No other details were immediately available.

The Portsmouth Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association posted a notice on their Facebook page asking for the community's prayers. They said the department's staffing is already at 'a dangerous level'. 

Union Vice President Levin Turner said losing nine people for 14 days is going to strain the department even more. 

"Our leadership met with fire administration today and we are going to ensure all trucks maintain being in service," Turner said. "It is going to require people working overtime, but duty calls." 

Turner said they had a GoFundMe started to help raise money for firefighters, paramedics, and their families to help offset the expenses over the quarantine. He said many rely on second jobs. 

RELATED: Virginia Beach firefighters being evaluated for possible exposure to COVID-19

RELATED: Portsmouth firefighters union calls staff shortage critical, asks for support

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